As Applebee’s International moves through the process of merging with IHOP Corp., a high-ranking Applebee’s official recently sent a memo directing associates to “be positive” in the face of a transition that will force leadership...
Some restaurant chains are honing their marketing efforts to target a different type of customer: potential franchisees.Dunkin’ Brands Inc. and Maui Wowi Hawaiian both have hired agencies to help drive franchisee recruitment, and the small Bar...
SAN RAFAEL Calif. Latin-theme snack food franchisor Churro Station has sold the franchise rights for Las Vegas and Miami, with the first units scheduled to open next year. Franchisees Marissa Gutierrez and Maria Herson have purchased the...
ST. LOUIS Sweet Traditions, a Krispy Kreme franchisee with development rights for Illinois, northwest Indiana and eastern Missouri, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, less than two weeks after the bankruptcy filing of a California...
CARROLLTON Texas T.G.I. Friday’s, the 889-unit division of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc. here, has opened its 300th international unit. An opening Aug. 31 in Christchurch, Barbados, helped the casual-dining company hit the milestone...
As I watch the progression of Wendy’s TV campaign with the man in the red wig with pigtails—Mr. Pigtails, as I’ve been calling him—it’s becoming clearer that the chain stands a better chance of reimaging itself into a hip brand than I...
ORLANDO Fla. Darden Restaurants Inc. on Aug. 31 commenced its tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Rare Hospitality International Inc. for $38.15 per share. The two restaurant companies announced Aug. 16 that they had...
ATLANTA Huddle House. —Other family-dining chains have revamped their menus and altered their marketing strategies to thwart casual dining’s invasion of their turf, but not Sure, the 430-unit chain...
CLEARWATER FLA. —Tampa Bay Supper Club owner Dave Stender says that the question “What’s for dinner?” creates daily frustration in the lives of busy people. Even so, marketing the Supper Club, a meal-assembly concept based here, was...
